Yes! That’s my answer to the question in the headline. I definitely use it. It is a great site, if you use it right.
I joined Goodreads in the summer of 2010 (here’s the link to my author profile), but I didn’t really start using it until the spring of this year. It confused me a little bit at first, and I didn’t take the time to figure things out. I’m not even sure I got recognized as a Goodreads Author until this year.
As a writer, I love the ease of running book giveaways. Since March 2013, I have run 11 different giveaways (counting the one running now) and will have given away 52 autographed copies of my books before the end of this year. It’s a great way to introduce my books to those who have never read one of them before. And for those who have, it is a great way to say, “Thanks for reading.” Readers can always find a link to my current giveaway on the home page of my web site.
But where Goodreads shines is for those who use it as a reader. As of this morning, I have added 1,103 titles to my bookshelves. Of those, 828 are books I’ve read (ranging all the way back to my childhood), 272 are books I want to read (and quite a few of which I already own), and three are the books I am currently reading. I love the way Goodreads helps me keep track of my progress.
I don’t always rate books and I rarely review them. That’s just personal choice. I am more apt to rate or review if I loved the book, but even loving a book isn’t a guarantee I will rate or review. Plus, there are many books that I’ve read in the past (twenty or thirty years ago especially) that I can remember reading but not much else. Sometimes not even if I liked them.
This year I joined the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I have loved doing this. I am just challenging myself. I’m not trying to keep up with those readers who read several hundred books a year. I can’t even fathom that. But I was delighted to meet my goal of 30 books and surpass it. As of today, I’ve read 37 books in 2013, and I’m pretty sure I will finish another three before the end of December. (Fingers crossed.)
Below, I’m running a poll about Goodreads and the main reason you use it. It’s an anonymous poll. You don’t have to sign in or leave your name or email. I would love it if you took the time to choose the best answer for you. I would also appreciate it if you would use the sharing buttons at the top of the poll and ask your friends and followers to come answer the poll too. The more who answer, the more accurate it will be. And, if you wish, feel free to leave a comment about why you like Goodreads or why you don’t.
Happy reading!
~robin
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